Singleback Formation and Sets

The Singleback (Ace) formation consists of one running back lined up about five to six yards yards behind the quarterback. Most sets found from the Singleback formation are used to pass the ball. The reason for this is there is no lead blocker for the running back.

However, more and more teams like run out of Singleback Spread (see image above) sets to spread the defense out. The idea of this is to create more running lanes inside for the running back because the defense must spread itself to cover the receivers.

In this X’s and O’s Football breakdown, we show several Singleback formations, player Personal, formation Alignment, and formation style.

Singleback 4WR

The Singleback 4WR is a 2×2 alignment that has the left slot receiver and flanker lined up on the line of scrimmage. The split end and right slot receivers are lined up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Ace

The Singleback Ace has one tight end lined up on the right of the right tackle and one lined up on the left of the left tackle. Despite having two tight ends, this is a balanced formation that can be found in several playbooks.

The flanker and split end line up wide opposite each other. You will find a lot of the same plays throughout each playbook that has the Singleback Ace.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Ace Pair

The Singleback Ace Pair lines the two tight ends up on the same side of the field. This creates a play-side overload that favors the offense. Backside runs are also an option if the defense focuses too much on the two tight end side. The split end and flanker line up opposite each other out wide.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Ace Pair Slot

Two tight ends line up on the same side, while the two receivers line up on the opposite side. This is a good balanced formation. If your opponent likes to call man coverage, you may be able to call outside run plays towards the side of the tight ends to pick up yardage on the ground.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Ace Pair Twins

Two tight ends line up on the same side, while the two receivers line up on the opposite side. This is a good balanced formation. If your opponent likes to call man coverage, you may be able to call outside run plays towards the side of the tight ends to pick up yardage on the ground.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Ace Twins

The Singleback Ace Twins looks like the Singleback Ace as far as how the tight ends line up. The two receivers line up on the same side. The flanker lines up in the slot, while the split end lines up outside of him.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Big

The Singleback Big has one tight end lined up on the right of the right tackle and one lined up on the left of the left tackle. Despite having two tight ends, this is a balanced formation that can be found in several playbooks. The flanker and split end line up wide opposite each other.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Big 3TE

The Singleback Big 3TE features three tight ends in the lineup at the same time. The TE1 and TE3 line up on the right next to the right tackle. The TE2 lines up next to the LT. The flanker lines up out wide to the left. This formation, as you might expect, is a power run formation. The TE2 can be motioned to the same side as the TE1 and TE3. This puts three tight ends on the same side of the field.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Run

Singleback Big Twin WR

The Singleback Big Twin WR looks like the Singleback Ace as far as how the tight ends line up. The two receivers line up on the same side. The flanker lines up in the slot, while the split end lines up outside of him.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Bunch

This is one of the better formations out of the Singleback set. There are a lot of bump-n-run man beaters to be found. The tight end, slot, and flanker are all clustered on the right. The split end lines up out wide on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Bunch Swap

This set is similar to the Singleback Bunch, but with one difference. Instead of the tight end lining up next to the right tackle, he lines up in the slot in a three-point stance. The slot moves to the inside, where he lines up next to right tackle in a two-point stance.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Bunch TE

Found in only two playbooks, the Singleback Bunch TE has the tight end lined up on the left, while three receivers are bunched up on the right. If you motion the tight end out wide against bump-n-run man coverage and then motion him back inside, you will find you can get him off the line of scrimmage without being jammed.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Deuce

The Singleback Deuce is the Colts’ version of the Singleback Ace. Two tight ends line up on the line of scrimmage, while the split end and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage. A good portion of the pass plays are especially drawn up for the Colts offense.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Deuce Slot

The Singleback Deuce Slot replaces the third wide receiver with the TE1 in the slot. The TE1 and TE2 line up on the line of scrimmage, while the split end and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage. As with the Singleback Deuce, there are specific plays that were designed for the Colts in mind to get the TE1 in the slot open.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Deuce Wing

The Singleback Deuce Wing has both tight ends line up in wing positions. When we say wing, we mean off the line of scrimmage. The flanker and split end line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Dice

The Singleback Dice is the Colts’ version of the Singleback Doubles. The slot and tight end line up on the line of scrimmage, while the flanker and split end line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Dice Open

The Singleback Dice Open is the Colts’ version of the Singleback Spread. The left slot and flanker line up on the line of scrimmage, while the right slot and split end line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Dice Slot

The Singleback Dice Slot lines the slot and flanker up off the line of scrimmage, while the split end and tight end line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Dolphin Trips

Designed specifically to fit the Dolphins personnel, the Singleback Dolphin Trips has the tight end, slot receiver, and flanker all lined up on the same side, while the split end lines up on the opposite side wide.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Double Flex

This spread formation has the tight end flexed out in the right slot. The left slot also lines up on the line of scrimmage. The split end and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Doubles

The Singleback Doubles is widely found throughout the offensive playbooks in Madden NFL 11.. There aren’t any playbooks that really stand out since each one has a good mixture of plays. The split end and tight end line up on the line of scrimmage, while the slot and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Doubles Close

This is the Colts’ version of the Singleback Tight. The two outside receivers line up off the line of scrimmage, while the two inside receivers line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Doubles Pats

The Singleback Double Pats was designed specifically for the Patriots’ personnel. It moves the team’s number two receiver (Welker) into the slot. A few specific plays are designed for him to get open. The formation itself looks like the Singleback Doubles.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Eagle Slot

Designed specifically for the Eagles’ personnel, the Singleback Eagle Slot looks like the Singleback Doubles. The WR2 lines up in the slot. There are several plays in this formation that you won’t find in other playbooks.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback F Pair Twins

This formation has the fullback replacing the second tight end. The fullback lines up outside of the tight end on the right. The flanker lines up in the slot on the left, while the split end lines up out wide on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback F Wing

The Singleback F Wing has the same personnel as the Singleback F Pair Twins. The fullback replaces the number two tight end and lines up at the wing position on the left. The flanker lines up out wide on the same side as the tight end. The split end lines up outside on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 FB

2 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Flex

The Singleback Flex has the slot and tight end lined up on the line of scrimmage, while the flanker and split end line up off the line of scrimmage. A few common Singleback Flex plays that most teams have are the Curls Flats, Flanker Drive, HB Dive, Inside Cross, PA Deep In, Slants, TE Post, and Y Shallow Cross.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Jumbo

The Singleback Jumbo features three tight ends in the lineup at the same time. The TE1 and TE3 line up on the right next to the right tackle. The TE2 lines up next to the LT. The flanker lines up out wide to the left. This formation, as you might expect, is a power run formation. The TE2 can be motioned to the same side as the TE1 and TE3. This puts three tight ends on the same side of the field.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 WR

3 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Run

Singleback Jumbo Z

The Singleback Jumbo Z features three tight ends in the lineup at the same time. The TE1 and TE3 line up on the right next to the right tackle. The TE2 lines up next to the LT. The flanker lines up out wide to the right. This formation, as you might expect, is a power run formation. The TE2 can be motioned to the same side as the TE1 and TE3. This puts three tight ends on the same side of the field. Found in the Broncos, Texans, and Vikings playbooks.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

1 WR

3 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Run

Singleback Normal Slot

In the Singleback Normal Slot, the split end and tight end line up on the line of scrimmage, while the slot and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Pitt Doubles

The Singleback Pitt Doubles is specifically drawn up to fit the Steelers’ offensive personnel. The WR1 lines up in the slot off the line of scrimmage. A few plays are specifically designed for him to get open, such as Slot Cross, Slot Shake, and Slot Hook.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Slot Strong

In the Singleback Slot Strong, the tight end lines up on the line of scrimmage, while the slot and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage and on the same side. The split end lines up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Snugs

The Singleback Snugs can be found in one playbook and that’s in the Seahawks’. All the receivers line up tight in a 2×2 compressed alignment. The split end and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage, while the inside receiver lines up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Snugs Flip

The Singleback Snugs Flip is the same as the Singleback Snugs with four receivers lined up compressed in a 2×2 alignment. The difference between the two is that the outside receivers line up on the line of scrimmage, while the inside receivers line up off the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Spread

The Singleback Spread is a 2×2 alignment that has the split end and flanker lined up on the line of scrimmage. The left and right slot receivers are lined up off the line of scrimmage. There are many variations of this formation in the game. The key difference is how the receivers line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Spread Flex

The Singleback Spread Flex has the split end and right slot receiver lined up off the line of scrimmage, while the left slot and flanker line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Tight Doubles

The Singleback Tight Doubles has the split end and slot receiver lined up tight on the left. The slot lines up off the line of scrimmage, while the split end lines up on the line of scrimmage. The tight end and flanker line up on the right.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed/Balanced

Singleback Tight Flex

This is another version of the Singleback Tight. The difference is in how the receivers line up and some of the plays within the formation itself. The Singleback Tight Flex has the left slot and flanker lined up off the line of scrimmage, while the split end and right slot receiver line up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed/Balanced

Singleback Tight Slots

Found in the Lions’ and Panthers’ playbook, the Singleback Tight Slots has the outside receivers lined up on the line of scrimmage, while the inside receivers line up off the line of scrimmage. Both playbooks have a few unique plays. If we had to choose between the two, the Panthers’ playbook is the better choice to run the Singleback Tight Slots from.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

2×2

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Trey Open

The Singleback Trey Open has the tight end lined up farther outside of the right tackle. The slot and flanker are lined up on the right outside of the tight end, while the split end is lined up wide on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Trips

Found in the Colts’ playbook, the Singleback Trips has the slot and flanker lined up off the line of scrimmage. The tight end lines up on the same side as the flanker and slot, but on the line of scrimmage. The split end lines up out wide on the left on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Trips Bunch

This is one of the better formations out of the Singleback set. There are a lot of bump-n-run man beaters to be found. The tight end, slot, and flanker are all clustered on the right. The split end lines up out wide on the left.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Compressed

Singleback Trips Colt

Specifically designed to fit the Colts’ players, the Singleback Trips Colts has a few unique plays that are not found in other Singleback Trips formations.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Trips Open

The Singleback Trips Open is found in two playbooks: Balanced and Broncos. Both have the same plays. The two slot receivers line up on the right and off the line of scrimmage. The flanker lines up on the same side, but he lines up outside and on the line of scrimmage. The split end lines up out wide left on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

4 WR

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Twin TE

The Singleback Twin TE lines the two tight ends up on the same side of the field. This creates a play-side overload that favors the offense. Backside runs are also an option if the defense focuses too much on the two tight end side. The split end and flanker line up opposite each other out wide.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Twin TE Slot

The Singleback Twin TE Slot has the TE1 and TE2 lined up on the right side next to the right tackle. The TE1 lines up on the line of scrimmage, while the TE2 lines up off the line of scrimmage. The flanker and split end line up on the left side. The flanker lines up in the slot, while the split end lines up out wide.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

2 WR

2 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Balanced

Singleback Wing Trio

The Singleback Wing Trio has the tight end lined up off the line of scrimmage in a wing position. The slot and flanker line up on the same side as the tight end. The flanker lines up off the line of scrimmage, while the slot lines up on the line of scrimmage. The split end lines up out left on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Wing Trips

Singleback Wing Trips is the same as the Singleback Wing Trio, but there is one difference. The slot receiver is lined up off the line of scrimmage, along with the tight end. The flanker and split end are both lined up on the line of scrimmage.

Player Personnel:

1 HB

3 WR

1 TE

Formation Alignment:

3×1

Formation Style:

Spread

Singleback Y-Trips

The Singleback Y-Trips has tight end lining up on the line of scrimmage, while the slot and flanker line up off the line of scrimmage and on the same side. The split end lines up off the line of scrimmage.

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